Born again - Before, or After, the Call?

[St. SteVen]

Was Simeon born again?

Luke 2:25 NIV
Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout.
He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him.

[ cc: @JBO

 

[St. SteVen]

Was Simeon born again?

Luke 2:25 NIV
Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout.
He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him.

What about Joseph?

Genesis 41:37-39 NIV
The plan seemed good to Pharaoh and to all his officials.
38 So Pharaoh asked them, “Can we find anyone like this man, one in whom is the spirit of God[a]?”
39 Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Since God has made all this known to you,
there is no one so discerning and wise as you.

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[St. SteVen]

--- PARODY ---

Christian #1: Here's my testimony ...
Christian #2: Are you calling God a liar?
Christian #1: Sigh.

Why do we do this?

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[Lambano]

Was Simeon born again?

Is the correct answer, "How the hell would I know?" We don't know what goes on in another person's heart. Or spirit. I can't even define what a person's spirit is. We can only see external evidence of an inward change.

 

[Ritajanice]

Wow, Ritajanice, your testimony is so powerful! It really shows how the Holy Spirit can move in unexpected ways, like a wind blowing through your life when you least expect it. I love how you describe that moment of being Born Again—it’s like God reached right into your heart and filled it with His love.

Your story reminds me of how God can heal deep emotional wounds, like feeling starved for love. That moment when the Spirit spoke to your spirit sounds like a profound shift, almost like a therapy breakthrough, but way bigger because it’s God at work! Historically, early Christians like John Wesley talked about these “heart-warming” experiences where the Spirit confirms we’re God’s children, just like you felt.

Your journey from saying “No way” to submitting to God’s will over 32 years is so inspiring. It shows how the gift of faith grows over time, like a seed planted by God. I also love how you tie it to the new covenant —Jesus’ sacrifice making us new. That’s the heart of the Gospel!

I’m curious—what’s one way the Holy Spirit has surprised you in your faith lately? Maybe a moment where you felt that same “blow your socks off” kind of revelation? Thanks for sharing such a beautiful story!

I loved reading your post, Brother, really spoke to my heart.

I have only ever had 2 heart revelations from God...they both blew my mind...I don’t think I could take another heart revelation from God at my age now......a heart revelation from God is like no other...you just can’t really explain it.....plus it’s “ mind blowing “...oh so powerful...

Thank you for your kind words.

 

[Ritajanice]

Is the correct answer, "How the hell would I know?" We don't know what goes on in another person's heart. Or spirit. I can't even define what a person's spirit is. We can only see external evidence of an inward change.

100% Amen!..imo...spot on...God is working in all of our hearts, Brother, I too can’t define what a spirit is....I just know that mine is Born Again...I can’t even define that either...Praise God.

God reveals himself in ways that we understand ....I don’t believe he reveals himself to everyone the same way....,everyone’s testimony is different...he came to me one way, he came to you another way....and I love how we are all seeking him out..

 

[Behold]

How does one repent of unbelief?

When you trust in Christ, you are now believing.........whereas before you didnt believe.

So, to Turn from not believing ... to FAITH in Christ.......is to REPENT from unbelief.

Give your Faith in Christ to God???

Yes, as God requires our faith in Christ........so that we may be "Justified.......by FAITH".

Faith is something you do.

Faith is Trust.

The righteousness of God is imputed to the repentant believer

our = "Faith is counted by God as righteousness".

This means that when we give God our Faith........God gives us "the Gift of Righteousness".

I don't recall ever reading about any such "spiritual joining.

Spiritual Union with God, is to become Born again.

 

[Lambano]

The thing that you need to determine is which "real testimonies of real people" are consistent with scripture.

I look at scripture itself as a testimony. A testimony of Man's interaction with God.

 

[Lambano]

The thing that you need to determine is which "real testimonies of real people" are consistent with scripture.

Theologian Richard Hays notes that we interpret scripture through the lens of our experience, the traditions we inherit from the brothers and sisters in Christ who came before us, and reason. Those familiar with the Methodist tradition will hear the echo of John Wesley's quadrilateral. Scripture has very little to say directly about the rebirth process, and Nicodemus's question in John 3:7, "How can these things come to be?" is more poignant than we usually give Nic credit for.

I listen to the experiences of my brothers and sisters in Christ; this informs my understanding of the scripture. The understanding of the renowned theologians before us, like John Calvin and Jacob Arminius, also informs me. This is a community effort. I also welcomed you to give your testimony. The offer is still open.

 

[St. SteVen]

St. SteVen said:
Was Simeon born again?

Is the correct answer, "How the hell would I know?" We don't know what goes on in another person's heart. Or spirit. I can't even define what a person's spirit is. We can only see external evidence of an inward change.

Well, the evidence looks pretty compelling.
Spiritual rebirth is borne of a renewed relationship with God.

Luke 2:25-32 NIV
Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him. 26 It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. 27 Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, 28 Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying:
29 “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised,
you may now dismiss[a] your servant in peace.
30 For my eyes have seen your salvation,
31 which you have prepared in the sight of all nations:
32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles,
and the glory of your people Israel.”

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[Lambano]

What exactly did Jesus mean by "born again" or more literally in the Greek, "born from above"? What happens to the person?

This is another good reason for listening to other people's testimonies.

 

[St. SteVen]

What exactly did Jesus mean by "born again" or more literally in the Greek, "born from above"? What happens to the person?

For most of this thread the last day or two I have referred to it as a spiritual rebirth.

This is partially why I also speak of physical life and death and spiritual life and death.
When a physical human has a spiritual rebirth, they cross over from spiritual death to spiritual life. IMHO

John 5:24 NIV
“Very truly I tell you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life
and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life.

This is another good reason for listening to other people's testimonies.

Indeed.
We need to look for evidence of that spiritual rebirth.
(no one is saved by doctrine)

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[St. SteVen]

For most of this thread the last day or two I have referred to it as a spiritual rebirth.

This is partially why I also speak of physical life and death and spiritual life and death.
When a physical human has a spiritual rebirth, they cross over from spiritual death to spiritual life. IMHO

John 5:24 NIV
“Very truly I tell you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life
and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life.

Evidence.

John 7:38 NIV
Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.”

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[Ritajanice]

Evidence.

John 7:38 NIV
Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.”

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Rivers of the life giving Spirit.....come to me who that are thirsty and drink........not sure if that’s biblical..the words just came into my mind as I was posting...Praise God.

3 For I will pour out water to quench your thirst and to irrigate your parched fields. And I will pour out my Spirit on your descendants, and my blessing on your children. 4 They will thrive like watered grass, like willows on a riverbank. 5 Some will proudly claim, 'I belong to the LORD .